Keayang Zahara’s relentless march to further Group 1 glory

We’re running out of superlatives to describe wonder mare Keayang Zahara (Volstead) and yet again she turned in another stunning harness racing  performance to take out the Group 1 $60,000 Just Believe Grand Prix at Melton on Saturday evening.

It wasn’t a great field but a loyal group of harness racing fans were out there in force to cheer their great mare and she didn’t let them down.

Despite drawing the pole, driver Jason Lee allowed stablemate Jilliby Dreamlover to take up the running. Chris Svanosio moved up early to throw down the gauntlet and kept Keayang Zahara in a pocket.

KEAYANG ZAHARA 28 FEB REPLAY

The question was when Keayang Zahara would get a clear run but instead of angling for an inside run Jason Lee moved the mare one off and she in the clear at the top of the home straight. Luvmetoo made a valiant effort to move clear away but Keayang Zahara always had him covered and she came away with consummate ease to score by 11 metres from a determined Luvmetoo with Remus Phoenix.

Keayang Zahara rated 1.55.6 for the 2240 metre journey.

Jason Lee shared his views of the race following her success.

It was good fun. It always is when you drive a winner let alone this mare. It was always pretty comfortable. And obviously she’s been running the gate pretty hard. She had a different set of shoes tonight. I was a little bit more cautious out of the gate. But there was no reason to panic. It was a better spectacle than some of her races have been lately and I’m just happy to get the job done.

I was always confident that I would be able to peg Chris Svanosio back (on Luvmetoo) but just how quick she got to him and his horse went super. But you don’t need to ask her much and she is pretty casual now. I’ve been kind to her so many times, every now and then you have to touch her on the tail and remind her but you don’t have to ask much. It’s just great to be able to win this race. With Just Believe I used to love watching what he done. I just thought he was a champion.

To be able to win a race on Duncan’s (McPherson’s) big night with everything he’s done with that fund raiser and all he’s put into it and how big it’s become around Australia and New Zealand its just fantastic. Just a big thrill to have a few little extra things to make it special.

Trainer Marg Lee was noncommittal on immediate plans for Keayang Zahara. Her win was her 14^th Group 1 success and she is just one behind the mighty Lyell Creek’s record of 15 Group 1 wins.

The next Group 1 trotters event will be the Hammerhead Mile at Menangle in a fortnight. If Keayang Zahara was to go there she would most likely clash with the latest star Gus who also won in impressive style at Albion Park last night. However she is more than likely to take her place in the Cambridge Slot event in April.

The stable faced disappointment when their other star mare Jilliby Ballerini unexpectedly galloped when travelling comfortably in the Group 3 Lyn McPherson Breed For Speed Gold Trot for mares.

Having a perfect one out and one back trail Jilliby Ballerini was poised behind the leaders but when driver Glen Craven asked for an effort she broke up losing about twenty metres and effectively all chance. It was left to former star youngster Rockinwihtattitude (Aldebaran Eagle) to lead all her rivals and easily hold off I Am Wilma and Keayang Gucci.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink